Grand Rapids, MI – Another opportunity for the AQ community to come together and celebrate what it means to be a Saint. On Monday, the WHAC Conference announced that Caden Pokorzynski (Defense) and Paige Guernsey (Offense) were each named WHAC Player of the Week, marking another banner week for Aquinas Athletics. For Guernsey, the honor represents her second straight week earning the league's offensive distinction, while Pokorzynski's recognition highlights his growing impact on the defensive end for the Saints.
Caden Pokorzynski – WHAC Defensive Player of the Week
Pokorzynski turned in two gritty performances for the Aquinas men's basketball team, anchoring the Saints on both ends of the floor during a demanding conference week. In Wednesday's dramatic 58–55 win over Lawrence Tech, the 6'7" sophomore was the centerpiece of AQ's second-half surge, finishing with a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds to fuel the comeback. He controlled the paint defensively, altered shots, and provided key stops that allowed Aquinas to chip away after a slow first half. Pokorzynski also delivered in the game's biggest moment, calmly knocking down a free throw with 4:36 remaining to give the Saints the lead for good.
On Sunday against Defiance, he again led by example, pacing Aquinas with 21 points while adding eight rebounds and four blocks in a hard-fought 75–71 contest. Pokorzynski was flawless from the floor and the free-throw line in that game, showing efficiency, poise, and toughness against a physical opponent. Across both games, his presence in the lane, rebounding consistency, and ability to finish through contact set the tone for the Saints. Week after week, Pokorzynski continues to emerge as one of the league's most impactful two-way forwards.
Coach Ryan Bertoia on Caden Pokorzynski:
"Caden does so many things that don't always show up in the box score, but this week he made those big plays visible, too. He defends at a high level, rebounds with toughness, and gives us confidence on both ends of the floor. His growth, maturity, and willingness to embrace tough assignments are huge for this team, and he's earning every bit of this recognition."
Paige Guernsey – WHAC Offensive Player of the Week - Back-to-Back Weeks
Guernsey continued her elite stretch of play for the Aquinas women's basketball team, leading the Saints to two convincing conference victories with her all-around brilliance. In Sunday's 79–52 win over Defiance, the senior guard once again flirted with a triple-double, posting 17 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists while controlling the tempo from start to finish. She orchestrated the offense with precision, consistently creating high-quality looks for teammates while also attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line.
Earlier in the week, Guernsey delivered a dominant double-double in Aquinas' 64–46 win over Lawrence Tech, pouring in 25 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. She scored at all three levels, applied pressure defensively, and closed quarters with poise, ensuring AQ maintained momentum throughout the game. Across the two contests, Guernsey showcased her versatility as a scorer, facilitator, and leader, setting the standard on both ends of the floor.
Coach Brian Morris on Paige Guernsey:
"Paige is playing with so much confidence right now, and it shows in every aspect of her game. She's seeing the floor, making the right reads, and taking over when we need her to. What I love most is that she's still getting better — she's showing people outside of Aquinas just how talented she is, and she's doing it the right way."
A Culture of Excellence
The hardware continues to pile up inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center, as Aquinas once again places multiple student-athletes atop the WHAC weekly honors list. Week in and week out, the Saints are in the conversation for the conference's top performers, reinforcing what has been evident throughout the 2025–26 season: every day is a great day to be a Saint.
